The ramblings of a pilgrim through time, space, and life.

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Hansen

Maybe it is a product of our day where people live longer, but Aliza is fortunate to have 3 of her great grandparents living at this time. For family history purposes, I thought I might post these pictures of Aliza with her great grandparents. Further, I thought I would post a picture or two that Amanda and I have with our great grandparents.

Here is a picture of Aliza with Amanda’s paternal grandfather, DeLece (“D”) Hemsley. This picture was taken at a party in Kaysville, Utah for Amanda’s brother, Derek, upon coming home from his two-year mission in July. We took the opportunity for a couple of photos with family.

(l-r): DeAnne, D, and Bryan Hemsley with Aliza and Amanda

This is Amanda’s paternal grandmother, Shanna Thompson. This photo was also at Derek’s party.

Lastly, here is my paternal grandfather, Milo Ross. We took these pictures, the day after at Derek’s homecoming party, at Grandpa’s house in Plain City, Utah. I will post three pictures because I think they are good photos. This first one shows a great smile on Grandpa, Aliza, and Amanda. I also like the profile of Grandpa.

Grandpa’s first sight of Aliza

I like this one because Aliza looks as cute as she always does. For being 90, Grandpa can sure pick her up and throw her in the air with ease.

Here is one we took of the four generations with my sister, Andra, and her son, Daniel. Grandpa has two of his great grandchildren in this picture (and Dad has two of his grandchildren).

Andra, Milo (Jr), Daniel, Milo (Sr), Paul, Aliza

Fortunately, Aliza has now had her photo taken with all of her living Great Grandparents. Amanda was also fortunate to have such a photograph with all of her living Grandparents and Great Grandparents. Even more, ALL great grandparents and grandparents are in the same photo! Here is that photo from the day of her baby blessing in Kaysville. LeRoy, D, Shanna, and Clara are all Amanda’s Grandparents. Belle is D’s mother. Walter and June are Shanna’s father and step-mother.

I had three Great Grandparents who were alive when I was born. Unfortunately, I do not seem to have a photo in my possession with my Andra Great Grandparents despite the fact that I was 10 and 11 years old when they passed. Oddly, I have pictures of my Great Grandpa and Grandma Andra that I was present when the photo was taken, like the one below. This is my mother’s maternal grandparents about 1989.

Mary and Bill Andra

This is my mother’s paternal grandmother and some of the rest of the family at her sister’s funeral, Edna Coley Neilson. My Great Grandma Lillian Bowcutt (remarried in 1953 after her husband Joseph Jonas died in 1932) is in the center of this photo and is the mother to the two ladies beside her and the four men in front. I am more of a footnote in the photo, but at least I have one with Great Grandma Bowcutt in the same picture.

Here is a picture of the Plain City, Weber, Utah school student body in 1895. Apparently this was the entire student body and this photo was reproduced in the 15 March 1959 copy of the Ogden Standard-Examiner. I have a couple of relatives in the picture and that is probably why my Grandpa and Grandma Ross pulled it from the paper and have kept it with their possessions. The names all come from that same paper caption although both of the unknown Rogers just have Miss. If anyone knows where to get a clearer scan of the photo, I would appreciate it as this 60 year old paper isn’t the best version. I do not think the school in Plain City had another name besides the Plain City School.

I looked up the information for each individual. I found most of them, except for a couple whose names were just not in Plain City or they must have only been there a short time. Sometimes with those old clippings whoever gave them the names might have put a married last name rather than a maiden. Hopefully someone can correct the rest of the names. The two principals I could not nail down because of the difference in age I could not define and there were so many with the same name within 30 years of the age of most of these students. I put the one I think is most likely but welcome corrections.

Here is a photograph I thought I would share. It tells its own story. This photo was taken on 25 April 1948 in the Benson Stake Tabernacle. The photo is honoring those Visiting Teachers who have been faithful in going out for 40+ years in the Benson Stake. The Benson Stake was headquartered in Richmond, Cache, Utah (later renamed to Richmond Stake), not Benson.

Mind you, at that time, this was not just an organization you automatically became a member of when you joined the church. This was a separate membership with dues requirements for the organization. You even received a membership card. Not only are these women faithful in Visiting Teaching for 40 years, but they had volunteered to be a member of the Relief Society for that many years and actively participated. Martha Coley in the front middle is my Great, Great Grandmother. How many Visiting Teachers today qualify for faithful Visiting Teaching for 40 years?

Lavina Ellen Hawkeswood (1877-1954) married John James Poulsen (1871-1948). They lived in Lewiston. Interesting note, Martha Christiansen Coley’s husband, Herbert Coley, and Lavina are 1st cousins once removed! Do you think these two ladies sitting on the front row knew of that relationship?

Christensia () married Hansen (). Cannot find records, either have the name wrong or she moved from Cache Valley.

Christina Wanner, the mother in this picture from 1910, is the sister to my Johann Georg (John George) Wanner Jr. I previously posted a family portrait for Christina’s sister, Maria Magdalena Wanner Wagstaff. At some point, I will write my Great Great Grandfather, John, but until then, I will keep writing on some of the peripheral lines.

Charles August Nuffer, the father in the photo, is the brother to my Regina Friederike Nuffer. A brother a sister with the last name of Nuffer married a sister and brother with the last name of Wanner. Two other Wanner sisters married another set of brothers with the last name of Bodrero. Anyhow, the children in the above photo are all double cousins to me. Can you smell the consanguinity in the Wanner family?

Charles August Nuffer was born 18 June 1871 in Neuffen, Esslingen, Baden-Württemberg to John Christoph Nuffer and Eva Katharina Greiner. His parents joined the LDS church on 12 April 1880 after following the example of their daughter, Regina who was baptized in January 1880. Charles actually joined 26 January 1894 in Mapleton, Franklin, Idaho (then Oneida County). He passed away 17 July 1952 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho and buried beside his wife 4 days later in the Preston Cemetery. If you are interested, here is his autobiography.

Christina Wanner was born 30 March 1872 in Holzgerlingen, Böblingen, Baden-Württemberg to Johann Georg Wanner Sr and Anna Maria Schmid. Her whole family joined the LDS church in 1891 (she 16 October 1891) and immigrated to the US in 1892 settling in Logan, Cache, Utah. She died 10 August 1940 in Preston and was buried 4 days later. Her daughter Louise, wrote a biography about her.

Charles and Christina were married 1 February 1894 in the Logan LDS Temple by Marriner Wood Merrill. Note, this is 5 days after his baptism! To this marriage was born 9 children. The first 7 were born in Mapleton and the rest were in Preston.

Clara Katherine Nuffer born 10 August 1895, died 18 August 1984. Married John Leroy Hansen 30 October 1918.

Louise Mary Nuffer born 19 November 1896, died 16 October 1980. Married LeRoy McDonald Roberts 17 November 1944.

Anna Christina Nuffer born 8 January 1899, died 25 January 1928. Married Elmer Willis Cummings 23 April 1919.

Bertha Wilamena Nuffer born 9 June 1900, died 9 November 1990. Married Alfred Dean Winn 9 February 1921.

Charles Fredrick Nuffer born 21 October 1901, died 30 June 1970. Married Ruth Gamble 4 October 1922.

Joseph Adolph Nuffer born 18 May 1904, died 27 June 1985. Married Greta Susan Alder 20 July 1927.

Ida Eva Nuffer born 15 June 1906, died 1 December 2000. Married Gilbert Warren Stater Cafferty 24 February 1926.

Preston Albert Nuffer born 13 June 1908, died 20 July 1995. Married Ella May Day 24 June 1936.

Laura Elvina Nuffer born 15 February 1910, died 21 December 1994. Married Hilden Jack Alvord 12 April 1929.

I am happy to correct or add information to this family if you have information.

Amanda and I just returned from a 4 day visit to Utah/Idaho. It was like a breath of fresh air into my life. It was just what I needed. Sorry it has taken so long, but here is some of what we did.

We arrived at Norfolk, Virginia airport at 6:00 in the morning to fly out for Salt Lake. I am seriously considering if it was worth the $150 we saved to have two layovers. I thought I would die from the trip. We flew from Norfolk to Detroit, Michigan, then to Minneapolis, Minnesota on to Salt Lake City, Utah. I think on each flight I became motion sick. The layover would cause the sickness to subside and then we took off again. It was a form of torture. By the time I arrived in SLC I felt sick, weak, and irritable. We went to bed pretty early to combat jet lag and my feeling sick.

Friday dawned bright and early. I was up well before everyone else and was ready for the day before 7 AM even thought of rolling around. We had crepes for breakfast. The Hemsley family had a new crepe maker and it turned out to be a great purchase. They were good. I always liked the feeling of biting into a warm crepe with cold ice cream oozing between your teeth. We found our way to Salt Lake again to pick up Bryan and attend the Salt Lake Temple. I was really not feeling well and I ended up with a pair of pants that were far too tight. I am glad I switched them out. I am sure I would have passed out if I had kept them and not switched them for a larger waist size. The session went well and Sherise, Amanda’s cousin, was beautiful.

After the endowment session Amanda and I split up. Brad picked me up and we headed north for an evening of visiting and fellowship. I changed at the Hemsley house and went on our way. Our first stop was Lillian Talbot. Lillian is my mother’s father’s sister. I returned the three journals I typed up from 1961, 1962, and 1963. I was glad to return them. We visited for a few moments and went on our way. The next stop was to Lona Jonas. She is the sister in law to Lillian who we had just left. We had a good visit with her. She told us about her operation on her forehead and eye which came from a piece of glass working its way to the surface after 55 years! Our next step took us closer to the Wasatch Mountains with a visit to Jennie Britzman. She is my father’s mother’s mother’s daughter’s daughter (1st cousin to my Grandma Ross). We had an interesting visit. I discovered she had another husband I never knew about! Brad turned out to be very interested in learning about Jennie. He asked all the right questions and so I learned some family history things I hope I have not missed often in other family members. How in the world did I ever not ask or find out she had another husband? Brad really found her story fascinating and we enjoyed ourselves with a good laugh. It doesn’t seem that she is 90 years old. Her son Richard came home while we were there and we had a good visit with him as well.

We wound up the conversation and made our way to downtown Ogden to visit Mary Coley. Her relationship to me is two fold. She was married to my mother’s father’s brother, Irwin Jonas. He was killed in WWII and she went on to marry Arthur Coley, Irwin’s Uncle. It was an interesting story. I knew that I did not have her parents in my family history so I had some questions to pose. She answered them all with amazing clearness despite her being 89 years old. She grew up in Minnesota and met Irwin while he was in training for the military there. They were married and he went off to the war effort. He wanted her home in Richmond, Utah when he came back so she moved out there. She lived with Great Grandma Lillian Jonas (Lillian’s mother, Lona’s mother in law, Irwin’s mother). It was there she lived when Irwin was killed. At dinner with my Great Great Grandmother, Martha Coley, Art (Arthur) walked in one evening and asked where they had dragged up Mary. They were married shortly after. Anyhow, she does not remember her parents but was able to tell me their names. Her mother died when she was very young and she was raised by a foster family. She also gave me the names of her foster parents. So I have some research to do but have Mary’s lineage. She also told us of her conversion story to the church. That was very interesting as well.

We made our way to the home of Dave and Betty Donaldson after Aunt Mary. Dave is my Grandma Ross’ brother. We originally were going to stop at Grandpa’s but there was a man in a ten gallon hat sitting in his living room that we could see from the road. So we decided to come back. It wasn’t far since Dave and Betty live next door. We had a good little visit with Dave and Betty. Dave just had his knee replaced in the past few months. He feels more confident and strong in his new knee than he does his other. Plans are to replace the other probably this fall. After all, we would not want to miss a perfectly good summer or fishing laid up in bed at home. Next we found Abe and Caroline Gallegos home. Caroline, my Dad’s sister, had just stepped out of the shower. We visited with Abe for a while and Caroline emerged. We talked about her new found love of family history, viewed photos. Meanwhile Brad visited with Abe.

The night was running out and we had to be in our best shape for the long haul Saturday. After the Gallegos home Brad dropped me off at the Hemsley residence and went to stay with our old roommate, Mark Morris, in Salt Lake.

Friday turned out to be a long night. I had not recovered from whatever it was I had. I wanted to blame it on the flight, but the usual suspect of a cold sore (which I always get after flying) showed up before I left Richmond. I felt sick enough Friday evening Bryan made a run to the store for some Pepto Dismal (the correct spelling). It is the first time I remember in my life having PB and it sure seems to have done the trick. I awoke up at 1 AM in emergency situations. I went on to vacate my entire system of any remnants of food. I panicked after tossing the perfectly good hamburger in the toilet when it came up all red and pink. My brain kicked in to tell me it was only the evidence of PB. Before the night was finished, it felt I had puked every thought of food I had entertained for the past week. The rest of the system went on to winterize itself. By the time I went back to bed at 3 after a shower and a cleaning of the throne I was feeling much better about life. That constant sickness from the flight was gone.

Saturday dawned bright and early. We were headed off to Salt Lake City for the sealing ceremony. We were parked found our way through the temple maze for the sealing party and visited with friends and family for a while. Before long we were ushered up to a sealing room and we waited for the happy couple and sealer to appear. Travis and Sherise made their way in followed by Elder Bednar. It was your typical sealing except Elder Bednar gave some very direct advice before the sealing. Usually it tends to be a rather superfluous group of niceties which are showered on the couple. He gave the couple, and for those listening in the party, a direct sermon on several topics I don’t think this is the place to disclose. I do remember coming out of the ceremony thinking, “I wish they would teach that in General Conference.”

We waited outside in the beautiful spring weather for the couple to appear for photos. I made a few quick expeditions around temple square and even looking at deconstruction and construction sites bordering temple square. The flowers and grass didn’t look real. (They were as testing went on to prove) The couple made their appearance, we spent the next 45 minutes under the loose commands of a photographer and I made my escape.

Brad appeared and we made a quick venture to the Church Museum to see the exhibit on the Tabernacle. We trekked northward changing clothes at the Hemsley’s and pressing on to Cache Valley.

Our first stop upon arriving at in that blessed valley was in the city of Nibley. We stopped to visit Larry and Margo Anhder but they decided not to be home. We visited with Cynthia Farnsworth around the corner who Brad worked with at the city of Nibley. It was a good visit.

We left Nibley and headed into Logan to visit Sunshine Terrace. During school Brad and I used to go down and visit all the old luvs who were there. Brad only had one of hers still living, Thelma Freeman who is now over the 104 mark. She remembered Brad very well and even asked if he was off to spray lawns in Malad. It was a good visit with her. Even thought she is pretty well death and blind, she remembered quite a bit. She began to give Brad a rundown on all her grandchildren and I excused myself to go see if anyone I used to regularly visit was still alive. Nope, they were all gone. Even Eula Waldron who I thought would live for a good while longer had passed away last fall. Harriet Elison had passed away last summer. Apparently right after my last visit she passed. I felt kinda bad knowing every single person I used to visit while at USU was now dead. Good for them I suppose. I decided not to start up any new friendships with an old luv as I didn’t know the next time I would be around to visit. I went back to listen to Brad and Thelma talk about how she wasn’t going to die until Brad was married. She openly admitted she wants to die but the Lord just doesn’t seem to want her yet, or perhaps it was because Brad wasn’t married yet….

We left and wandered our way around Utah State University. Fascinating how quickly things can change. The new library is completed and we wandered its corridors. Don’t know if I think it was designed very well, but it was certainly interesting. The Merrill Library was gone with only the stark increase in the size of the Quad to mark its passing. We paid a visit to Dentist Office #6 to visit with Matt Geddes and Lucas Garcia for a good while. Justin Siebenhaar also showed up and we were able to visit with him too. We did not remain long before we headed out.

Ellis and Geri Jonas we found in their van. Brad and I did not figure out if they were coming and going. They said they were waiting for someone (who did not appear while we were there) and yet talked about dinner (so were they coming or going?). It was good to visit with them for a while. They gave us the scoop on Ron in Afghanistan, BJ in the hospital, Amie a new house, Jennie a nice guy who she might marry, Ryan and his wife, Julie with her leg, Dan and his job, and the whole story that went with the family. Geri is just so funny in how she tells it. Brad and I got a good kick out of it. Ellis seemed to be more with it than I remember him for the past 5 years. He has thinned down quite a bit which the Dr.’s wanted him to do anyway.

Allen, Marie, Kade, and Kallie Lundgreen were where we spent our next hour. Richmond, Utah seems like time is treating it well. Marie told us the entire latest saga for the city. The city is publishing a new history but nobody seems to like the author except a few who like to stir up trouble in town. There is a story unfolding about public records from the old North Cache High School that was torn down which now want to be taken back probably only to be destroyed or lost. We talked about some history and the story inevitably moved towards Mom. The best part, I offered Marie a Eureka vacuum cleaner from the 1950’s that I have been lugging around for over a year. I finally remembered to take it, had it where I could take it, and remembered to give it. All in all, we enjoyed the reunion and laughs. It was if I had never left. Brad sure got a kick out of it. He thinks we are all crazy.

Next we enjoyed the new highway in Southern Idaho from the Utah border to Preston. How nice. So totally cruisable now. We stopped at the home of Larry and Barbara Andra to visit. They were not home. Brad and I took a good look and tour of the new facilities Larry has set up and his new ride in delivering lawn spraying services. Those new guys have it good! He has a brand new truck with a new trailer and two 500 gallon tanks. He appears serious about this whole lawn spraying business!

It was as we climbed into the car we realized we really needed to get moving in order to make it to Blackfoot in time to even catch the last 30 minutes of the reception. We did a little speeding up the old highway past Winder, Banida, Red Rock, Downey, and Virginia. We had some good conversation. We decided we both really like Inkom and could live there some day. We rounded through Pocatello and made our way to Blackfoot in good time. We arrived 15 minutes before the reception was scheduled to end. We went through the line, did our hugs, ate some cake, and enjoyed the family meal in the kitchen. It was the close of a good day. We started with Travis and Sherise and ended with them too (not to mention frog eye salad!!!).

After the reception, we watched the fireworks and the send off. I have to admit, I can’t stand some of the cheesy traditions that accompany marriages and receptions. I am glad Amanda and I left most of them out. We loaded up some food for the road and made the way across Southern Idaho to Kasota. On the way Brad read some really good articles from the latest Summit Magazine from Brigham Young University – Idaho. We both decided that if we were going to school this fall out of high school, we would both choose YofI.

Sunday morning dawned far too early for us. We arose, had some wonderful country biscuits and gravy and headed to church. Church was quite enjoyable. I really enjoyed the completely humble tone in which the meetings took place. Elder’s Quorum’s lesson was on Testimony by President Kimball. Every single person shared some thought and all, except one, did it in a completely humble tone and perspective. I was not only impressed by the tone of those who participated but the fact that all participated. It was not even encouraged by the teacher. I don’t ever remember becoming emotional in Elder’s Quorum as it is usually the least spiritual of all the church meetings. Sunday school was by Sister Crane and she did well. Ted was totally shocked when he sat with his family to find us sitting with them. Sacrament was Fast & Testimony Meeting. I really quite enjoyed it. President Merrill bore his testimony and I very much enjoyed it. President King also bore his testimony which was powerful. I followed President King which was a bit intimidating.

After church we made a quick trip home before making our rounds for the day. The first stop of the day was at Sergene Jensen’s in Heyburn. This was Brad’s first meeting of Sergene and he commented that he could definitely tell she was an Andra. It was the first time I have seen her in probably 5 years. We had a good visit while there. Brad talked golf with Neil from Filer while I fixed Sergene’s computer, her cell phone, and chatted about her son Andy. She had a pacemaker put in last December which was a surprise to me. But she thinks it was a worthwhile investment as it has drastically improved her golf swing. Neil says he wants one now. It was a good visit.

We went to visit my Aunt Jackie afterwards. We found Willie, Jackie, and Jesse all home for the day. Willie was just leaving for work but it was a good visit. I visited with Jackie for a good while. Brad wasn’t feeling well so he went and took a nap in the car. We discussed a variety of things, none of which are worth mentioning here. Pretty much it boils down to she seems like a lost soul who isn’t willing to make the changes necessary to get her life back in order.

We went to visit a friend of Brad’s, Eli Hansen but he was not home. We did visit with Eli’s mother, Teri for a few minutes. We then attempted to pay a visit to Scott and Chris Horsley, but they too were not home. We stopped to visit Brad’s great Aunt Ora Barlow. We had a good little visit with her. I guess before she married Woodrow (Woody) she was married to a Jones. Her son Lenny popped in and visited with us while we were there too. It was interesting to hear some of the dynamics of another family.

We attempted another visit to the Horsley home without success and we headed to visit the Orton family. Kevin, Megan, Ryan, and Kegan were all there. I wanted to visit with them but had to so I could get a picture with Ryan and Flat Stanley. As you are aware, I helped with his Flat Stanley project (FS has his own album!). So chatted about Tran-Systems, Circle A, Ag Express, Washington DC, life in general, the positioning of the stars in the cosmos, and other various lowly conversations. The actual camera for the photo was at Kevin’s parents so we made the trip to Paul for that. Brad and I did a quick driving tour of Paul to see what changes have been made. It is still there, I can verify that. They are also getting a new city park across from the Stake Center and Harpers are finally subdividing the property next to the Stake Center. Paul, Idaho is on the boom!

Brad wanted to nap some more so I left him in the car to snooze. I went in and had even more interesting conversations. We discussed the lifestyle of the polygamist fundamentalists in Utah. Wow, I never knew all the ways you could cheat the United States Government! But the polygamists have it worked out to a ‘T”. Kevin’s mother became a polygamist and they are sure she is dead but will not report it so they can continue to collect the Social Security Checks. They mooch the system from the crib to death. If I didn’t believe in honesty I might be tempted to do the same. The conversation with Dennis and Derith Orton turned to other subjects until I received a phone call from my Dad wanted to know if I was still planning on dinner. Yep, the time had arrived and I did not even notice it. I had to end the conversations rather abruptly and made my way home.

Dad usually is very relaxed about food and eating times but I found out Andra was the instigator. She was all in an uproar for some reason and wanted to get out of there. She gave us some reason with Brian needing her somewhere but we could tell it was a lie. She left in a huff without saying anything for a good bye or even hello. In addition, she left the present that was intended for her. I am amazed at how easily people can treat their own family badly and think it is okay. Perhaps those who are closest to us we can just expect they will understand and we can be as selfish as we want. That was the extent of any real time with my sister.

Dinner turned out to be very good. Dad made the t-bone steaks in his usual fashion with the barbeque grill and sugar cure. It was very good. Made me wish we could afford a bit more meat to eat on the grill in Virginia. We had baked potatoes, steaks, salad and plenty more. It was good to sit down and eat a meal with Dad, Andra who ate only a little bit very quickly, Brad, and Jan. We talked health, Idaho, family, and a variety of issues. It was good quality time with the family. Brad finally decided it was time for him to crash. He asked for a blessing which we gave him and he crashed despite the fact it was only 8:30 p.m. I visited with Dad and Jan a little longer before I borrowed Dad’s truck and went to pay a visit to the Tateoka Family.

I roamed up to the top of the hill at Kasota and visited with Ted and Becca. We lounged around for a while as I told them about the events so far during the weekend. Ted was quite fascinated with the advice given by Elder Bednar and took the opportunity to pat himself on the back some. We had a good laugh. He went with me for a drive to AgExpress (I want to call it Circle A) and we filled up Dad’s pickup for him. We talked about life in general. He told me about his struggles in the Bishopric and some of the cases that are before him. I can sympathize and honestly hope I never serve in that type of capacity. It sounds like a nightmare in many ways. I know there are many blessings that come, and Ted openly admits those. We talked about marriage, women, work, and several other topics. In the end, he had to be home at a descent hour. I dropped him off and went home.

Monday again dawned far too bright and early. Brad arose and was feeling much better after about 11 hours of sleep. We got ready, loaded the car, said our good byes, and headed out. Ted wanted us to stop by for breakfast. We found him at his parent’s place and we had a great breakfast of ham, eggs, toast, and plenty more. We were stuffed. We spent some time talking before Ted had to go back to work on the farm.

We went to visit Dustin McClellan at his home. We found him in the work shop and we took a good look at the Old Dodge. She was covered in dust and bird droppings but still looked good. Dustin says he is going to clean her up and get her going again now that spring is here. Plus he has just finished doing his spring field work and had a week before his next phase. We visited for a while in his house and we looked around to see what he has done differently. Next, we stopped by AgExpress and visited with Dad and he introduced me to most of the people in the office. I knew Michelle and remember Sean. We said our good bye’s and headed off to Paul and Kathy Duncan’s.

Kathy had forgotten we were coming and we found her in her pajamas still cleaning up after the weekend. She quickly changed and we visited for a good hour. She insisted we eat lunch with her and started making food. Brad and I thought we would both pop if we ate more after a big breakfast. It turned out to be really good barbeque chicken, salad, and cheesy potatoes. Brad really liked the desert. Paul came home and ate with us and we had a good visit about farming, the dairy, and life in general. Their whole family is doing well and things are good.

We had to get moving once again and we took the old highway 30 out to the Raft River exit. We took the freeway and got off to head out towards Rockland. It was a beautiful drive with the stormy clouds, the scenic valley, and the crepuscular drama. We paid a visit to Leo and Rhea Udy a few miles of Rockland approaching Roy. It was a really good visit. I quite enjoyed our conversation. They have served several church missions. Two or three of them in helping with engineering projects in the building of temples. One was with Nauvoo and I think there was one or two more. They also served in Adam-Ondi-Ahman. They have known Jack and Janet Duncan since their days in Oregon. It was also interesting to learn about the Udy history. This was even more true in light of the Udy Lawn Spraying business my Uncle Larry has. Rhea is Brad’s great aunt. We spent our time there and needed to head out in order to be able to pay a visit to Grandpa and make it to Kaysville in time for a party there.

We left the Udy home and took the drive to Malad, Idaho. We took some time to stop at Twin Springs and a quick drive through Holbrook. It seemed strange to us to be able to drive through a town literally in the middle of nowhere and know many of the people who live in the homes and much history of the area. We crossed the pass into Pleasantview and talked about our crazy day recording cemetery tombstone names in Samaria. We finally arrived in Malad and took a look at all the lots that I am thinking of buying there. We took some pictures with the phone and left just as the rain was starting to come down again.

We caught I-15 south and got off to drop back into Plain City. We stopped by Uncle Dave’s again to drop the picture off we neglected to do the first time. That is another long story, but I have been trying to get that photo back to its owner for a good two years now. One person takes it, can’t deliver it, and it keeps coming back to me. At one point, so I would not forget it, I placed it on a desk in Provo so I would always see it. The weekend I went to take it back I forgot it because Brad, of all people, hid it because he didn’t like it sitting out. Anyhow, I hope it is the final step to finding its way back to Ed Telford.

We stopped and had a good visit with Grandpa. He seemed a bit down from the latest waves of death in his circle of friends. It was still fun to see him and spend some time with him. In the end he didn’t seem like he wanted to talk much so we said our good byes and headed out. We made our last stop at the Olive Garden in Layton in order to meet the Hemsley family. Brad and I discussed our weekend and figured out we really quite enjoyed ourselves. To top it off, we figured out we had reconnected, visited with, and spent time with at least 43 people since Friday morning together. That seemed like quite the group of people. We felt content in our activities. I came back with 4 pages of family history notes. Brad was able to see family he had not seen in about 2-8 years. Best of all, we just enjoyed the company and the sites of Idaho/Utah.

It was Scott Hemsley’s birthday and we ate out at Olive Garden to celebrate the event. Derek did not join us but it was a good dinner and we had some good laughs. They are a good family. I am happy to claim them as family and to have ties with them. We went back to their home (Brad left for Provo and did not eat with us) and watched The Terminal with Tom Hanks. It seemed highly fitting since we would again be spending a whole day in traveling by plane. Amanda’s grandparents came over and we visited with them some. Finally we crashed since we had to leave at 5 a.m. and felt we needed the rest.

The flights went okay. I don’t like riding in the very back because sometimes you feel every bit of turbulence. I think I regained my motion sickness every time we were on descent to the airport. The winds and tossing just doesn’t do much for my stomach. The last flight put me under and heater vent or something that blew warm air on me the entire flight. So I turned on my cold air nozzle to high and suffered with the torments of hot and cold air blowing on me.

We arrived at Norfolk, kissed the ground and went to the Odom home in Newport News. They fed us some Chinese (which was very nice of them!) and we went home.

There is the end of the narrative of the trip to Utah and Idaho. I know it became a bit of a laundry list of things we did. But I did not want to write it by hand in my journal and I type so quickly. Plus I know some of you would be interested. So viola, there you go!

This past Saturday and Sunday was another log of interesting acquaintances and thoughts. At least for me.

Saturday found me in Malad again. I had to leave really early in order to get out of there at a decent time to head to Salt Lake City. I left about 6:30 from Preston, and started spraying about 7:30 AM. I am getting used to this early thing. That does not mean I like it though.

One of the first jobs I did was for a Price family. I caught my arm on the chain link fence and took a large chunk out of my forearm. It was a great way to start the day. I think I might be allergic to silk worm silk. I walked under a tree with loads and I sneezed pretty regularly for the next hour or two. I thought my poor lungs would give out by the time I was done.

There was this one lawn I was spraying. Tim Burnett had this really cool recreation of an old time fueling station, like 1930’s. He had created it out of all local materials. Some of the signs were very interesting. He came up and asked me some questions, then another neighbor, Don Hess, joined us. Before long we were talking politics in Malad. I am so dismayed that people go to such great lengths to do what they do. They passed a bond (what a fitting term, let’s enslave the people) for a new jail. Now, I have no qualms with a new jail, but what in the world does Malad need a 64 person jail for? What is more, I am sure they will have somebody from outside design it and it will ruin the downtown spirit of Malad. From the 20 or so neighbors who ended up weighing in on the street, either joining us, or just catching the conversation walking by, not one liked the idea. I am not sure how they passed the bond if this is the sentiment. What was even more disgusting, is that the person who was behind it had much to gain by the building of the jail. As Tim was commenting, feathering his own nest at the expense of the community. Whoever the guy, apparently also a policeman, gets to sell his land for the building of it. Another neighbor commented how odd it is that the water line for the new jail is already being built (the street where we were talking was tore up) yet he still doesn’t have enough water pressure at his home to adequately water his lawn (we spray his lawn as well). I have to admit,
I am really disgusted sometimes what happens in politics.

Larry drove over in my car to relieve me and finish what I did not finish spraying. I headed quickly to Kaysville. There I showered and changed, then Amanda and I headed to Salt Lake. We found a great little parking spot and headed to Abravanel Hall for A Prairie Home Companion. It was not his best show, I will admit. In fact, some of the show was quite the letdown. Usually they do a really interesting background on the areas that they go to. There was nothing of that sort in this show. Plus the news from Lake Wobegon actually was telling a story that he had already told, just with a different setup. There was some of it which was a really good laugh. Especially the Coffee Council. I did enjoy lives of the cowboys as well. I enjoyed the music the
most. It was a surprise that Amanda did not know any of the songs. The classic Americana songs which I remember singing at the county fair or other places, especially the sing songs in England, she did not know one of them. The ones I thought were well known like Good Night Ladies, and In the Good Ole Summertime.

We finished the show and headed to Kaysville. There, we changed and got ready to attend the temple. Amanda’s parents were finally able to join us for one. We drove up to Ogden together. I enjoyed the session. I learned some good things this time. Lately it seems I have been so tired I could not be in tune. We finished and headed home, happy to have completed our goal of attending all the temples in Utah before leaving for Virginia.

Sunday arrived far too early for me. We drove up to Tremonton for Jami Rupp’s farewell. She is a sweet girl. We then headed south to Brigham City for Jeanette Smoot’s farewell. We had some time, so we tried to pay a visit to Lenard and Donna Bruderer, but we could not find their house and they were not answering their phone. We went to the cemetery and walked around. Of mention was the grave of Lorenzo Snow. We then went down to the Box Elder Tabernacle with the intent of taking a nap on the lawn under a tree. However, I wanted to walk around and the building ended up being open. We watched a movie, took a tour, and the guy asked if we played organ. I ended up playing the organ for an hour. I was a bit rusty, but it came back. One guy who came in for a tour even said he was honoured to hear me play. (He must not go to church, they play better there!).

We headed to the farewell. It was good to see everybody, most of which we saw also at Jami’s. Jeanette gave a good talk as well. Afterward we headed to the VFW Building for a little luncheon. It was fun. I enjoy good company. It was good food too.

We had to leave to meet Nathan and Holly Wayment. We were meeting them to sign the rental contract for their home in Glen Allen, Virginia. We met them at the old Perry Tabernacle, now the Heritage Theatre. We had a good visit with them.

We paid a visit to Grandpa in Plain City. He was in a good mood, however he was headed to a viewing for another friend. He said he liked the photos we gave to him. We talked some about Hobart Day and I told him about meeting Carma Preece in Vernal. He seemed interesting to know how she was doing.

Hobart Day was Grandpa’s half brother. His father, John William Ross, had married a May Day (doomed marriage?) before my Great Grandmother. He had a son who lived in West Virginia. He was a preacher and married a Edna Montgomery. He was knocked blind when he was 21. Somebody threw something at him and hit him in the head. He was blind from that point on. He came out to visit Grandpa three times in his life. The first two times he brought his wife. Grandpa was telling me how he used to call him Big Brother. They took him all over. The last time he came out to visit, he came alone. Grandpa was telling me that before he put him on the bus to send him home Hobart day made a few comments. Something like, “I have been to Utah, been to a Mormon Sacrament, visited with a Mormon Bishop, now I can go home and die.” Three days later he was dead. Grandpa said he got a letter or two from Edna afterward she had dictated to someone to write for her. But he did not know where they were and did not expect Edna to be around anymore. Hobart died in 1983.

Before leaving we asked Grandpa if he knew Amanda’s Great Grandpa, Walter Wayment Hansen. He said he did, he even helped him add onto his house. Amanda found that interesting.

Grandpa had to go and we went to visit Glynn and Chyrrl Wayment. Nate and Holly arrived right before us. Glynn and Chyrrl both showed up shortly afterward. Nate wanted us to stop and visit with his parents so we did. They obviously knew Amanda’s Great Grandparents, they only lived a stone throw away. I asked if Glynn knew Grandpa and he pointed to the white house to the south that he owns and said that Grandpa and Floyd Neilson built that house. He said of course he knew him. He had nothing but good to say about Grandpa. The same for Amanda’s Great Grandfather.

We left and drove past her Great Grandparents home there in Warren. I called Jennie Britzman and asked if she was going to be around. She said she was. We headed over. Richard was there as well. We were there for several hours. We visited about life, Virginia, school, and I asked questions for family history. Jennie’s mother was the sister to my Great Grandmother, Berendena (Dena) Van Leeuwen (married name Donaldson). Jennie said that many people thought her mother Jane (Jantje in the Dutch) were twins. She said that she liked Aunt Dena and Uncle Dave.

She told me that her mother used to have premonitions. She knew of things before they happened. When they were growing up in California she knew when the earthquakes were coming and would prepare for them. One time she knew a big one was coming and told her husband, William Frederick Bremer. He had become pretty edgy about her premonitions and did not want to hear of them. He would tell her to not speak of them and that he did not want to hear them. The same was on this occasion. But she knew a big one was coming so she hired somebody to put guards on the shelves in the pantry to keep the bottles on the shelves. But the time it took to get her husband to agree and for the work, he was only half done by the time the earthquake hit. This was in the 1930’s in Los Angeles. They lost half of everything in the pantry because it was not all guarded.

She knew when my Great Grandmother was going to have her accident. She tried to convince Dena not to go where she was going. But she went anyway, and got in the accident that eventually would take her life.

Jennie was telling me about a time when she was going to run to the store. Her mother said that she saw Jennie flying through the air in an intersection. But the ambulance was in the way so she could not see how her state was. She plead with Jennie not to go but she did anyway. She made it to the store alright, but on the way back she was t-boned by a semi that ran a stop sign. Just like her mother said, the car was hit, the door flew open, and she flew across the intersection. She was obviously knocked silly and did not remember any of it. But it happened. When they called her mother, she responded to those on the phone, “I know what happened, how hurt is she?”

Amanda commented that my family all have strange gifts. I thought that was a funny comment. But I suppose it is true.

Jennie (who turns 90 this year) told me that Uncle Dave (my Great Grandpa) was deathly afraid of earthquakes. During the 1930’s when he was working in the area as a plumber he did some work in their house, especially after the earthquake. When an aftershock would hit he would flee from house. He would always run from the house when anything started to shake. He commented to her once that he did not want to be in a basement and stuck down there if something happened. Jennie said she used to like to tease him. They would go to the window for the room Uncle Dave was in and then start shaking the window or screen. They used to laugh and laugh to see a man as big as him jump and run outside. She did not say if he ever knew it was them, but I don’t think he did. I enjoyed this story.

We headed back to Amanda’s parents. Mel and Shanna Thompson were there, Amanda’s grandparents. We had a good little visit. They were working on family history. It was good to see them. I did not know that Mel was born in Pingree, Idaho.

I headed home to Provo for work on Monday morning. They have given me one last job to finish before I leave. It is a good little job and will keep me busy. It is to paint the walls in the crystal department. I have been working on it since.

Last night I went up and met Amanda and her family at the Bountiful Temple. We then went up Mueller Park with Rick for family photos. It was fun. I don’t know if I will like any of the photos, but it was fun. Amanda’s cousin Sherise was there to keep us entertained. We went out to eat Mexican at El Matidor (something like that). I way overate. It was very good food.

Anyhow, today we are packing to move to Virgina. Moving day is fast approaching. Looking forward to the trip!

It is strange how coincidence seems to play into our lives. Even I, a low staffer, an Idahoan, who is of very little importance in the realm of all men who have walked upon the earth have the privilege of meeting such amazing men. There are giants around us and we very seldom realize it. Most of those will never be recognized or accredited for what they do. However, today I wish to pay tribute to the common man (men and women, you know what I mean…man is not without the woman, and woman not without the man). There are souls around us who affect us so deeply that they forever change our course. Most of them are the every day run of the mill who humbly go about doing their duty. Many men do what they can to get by, others in service to others oblivious and often doing more damage, but then there are those who know what they need to do and do it well. Those who seek to do what they do well, live their lives to the best of their capability who influence the most.This week I met a man by the name of Mehmet Ali Talat. He paid a visit to Senator Smith. He is the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It definitely is not every day that we meet the President of a small country. What is more, one that is a bit more questionable in the eyes of many nations. Besides that, he is a very powerful man. He came with his entourage and sat in the office for a while (the Senator was meeting with the President of Starbucks…how ironic) and then left to visit with the Senator in his office. I do not know the culture, I do not know the man, but he seemed very deliberate and almost unhappy. The whole group seemed almost dire in many ways. While I can boast that I met the man who leads another nation, he left little or no influence upon me.

The same day, I met a man named Bob Livingston. A representative from Louisiana that served in the house for over 20 years. If I remember right, he was even Speaker of the House of the United States for a short time. A powerful man in the United States who served for a third of most people’s lives. (While there are hundreds of people in the U.S. government and I have come to learn it is just another job, it still holds a mystique) He sat with me for a few moments and was so concerned about his blackberry he couldn’t even visit for a whole five minutes. Another man who influenced millions of lives, but in lasting tribute will have little more than name recognition to go with his face in my life. Do we recognize the influence we could have on people, but due to our own concerns and selfishness do not take the opportunity to reach out more often.

If you would not know it, I was giving a tour this week and while explaining the Capitol Ceiling (which is always accompanied with my looking around while explaining rather than peering up a dozen noses) and I recognized a man sitting on one of the benches on the outer parameter. I excused myself from my tour group for a moment to go say hello to the Governor of Idaho, my beloved home state. I walked over, shook the hand of Dirk Kempthorne, and introduced myself. He looked pensive and contemplative. I somewhat regret having visiting with him as he seemed almost melancholy, but I was thrilled with the opportunity. Here was a man who took a few moments to say hello and learn a little about me. He did not brush me off and seemed somewhat interested. This man, while definitely with his own thoughts, took a few moments out to focus on the one. He will have a much more lasting influence than the President of a small nation or Speaker of the House. Nevertheless, many don’t like the Governor, but he seemed much more willing to care about other people than the first two.

In that tour group that I excused myself from was a former Senator of the State of Oregon. Neil and Mary Bryant were a different breed though. They were engaging, willing to share of themselves and learn of others, and even reached out to meet others. They and their friends Neal and Linda Huston were fun to take on the tour as they were so willing to get along and be a part of society. They are good individuals who loved to learn. He tried to stump me on historical facts of the United States of the Pacific Northwest (which my knowledge is not very good, I just got lucky that I knew his answers). They were by far the best people I met that day. While not as impressive in stature of the world, they left an impression that will be much more lasting.

With all that said, I want to recognize some of those who have affected my life the most. Colleen Jonas. Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ. Milo Ross. Sandra Jonas. Amanda Hemsley. Brad Hales. Kathy Duncan. Ted Tateoka. Kevin Orton. Nicole Whitesides. Laurel Hepworth. Marie Lundgreen. Kathryn England. Anna Badger. Chris Horsley. Megan Duncan. Dustin McClellan. James Cazier. Tom Kunzler. Altan Hardcastle. Warren Crane. Gene Hansen. Lorn Duff. I am sure there are more, many more. Thank God for good souls who reach out and connect with people. Who care more for others than they do for themselves. May God forever bless those who have affected my life and may I return the favor to all I come in contact with.